Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato broth, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef (lean beef or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Canned Goods

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Dry Goods and Seasonings

8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Dairy and Garnish

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
Extra shredded cheese for topping
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender, add a little more broth or water as needed.
Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully. Then stir everything together to combine.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and extra shredded cheese on top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
Feel free to substitute pasta shapes depending on your preference; small shapes like elbow macaroni work best for even cooking.
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or cream along with the cheese.
This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.